Area codes are an integral part of our phone system. They help route calls to the right geographic locations. Think of them as digital signposts that tell the phone network where a call needs to go.
Area code 580 is one such identifier, and it’s located in the state of Oklahoma. But knowing just the state isn’t always enough. Businesses, individuals, and telecommunications companies often need more precise information.
Understanding the location of area code 580 is important for several reasons. It helps businesses target their marketing efforts, allows individuals to identify the source of calls, and enables telecommunications companies to efficiently manage their networks.
In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of the area code 580 location. We’ll explore its geographical boundaries, the demographics of the region it covers, a brief history of its creation, and how it’s used today. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Oklahoma’s area code 580.
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 580
Area code 580 covers a wide swath of southern and western Oklahoma. If you get a call from this area code, chances are the person on the other end of the line is from one of these towns:
- Lawton
- Enid
- Ardmore
According to Zip Code Download, area code 580 encompasses 239 cities and towns within the state of Oklahoma. That’s a lot of municipalities!
While the area code covers many small towns, it’s also home to some important urban centers that are vital to the region’s economy and culture. Lawton, for example, is a hub for military activity, while Enid is a major agricultural center.
Area code 580 also covers a large number of Oklahoma counties. Here are a few of the biggest:
- Comanche
- Garfield
- Carter
In all, area code 580 includes portions of 49 counties, which represents a sizable chunk of the state. These counties are a mix of rural and urban areas, with economies that depend on agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Demographic Profile of Area Code 580
Area code 580 covers a large swath of Oklahoma, so it’s home to a diverse population. Here’s a look at the demographics within the 580 area code, based on the 2020 Census.
Population Statistics
The total population covered by area code 580 is 1,128,025.
Here’s a breakdown of the population by race and ethnicity:
- White: 777,662
- Black: 57,151
- Hispanic: 99,022
- Asian: 11,803
- Hawaiian: 5,087
- American Indian: 99,022
The population is fairly evenly split between men and women:
- Male Population: 568,172
- Female Population: 559,853
Age and Household Information
The median age of people living in the 580 area code is 40.27 years.
Broken down by gender, the median age is:
- Male Median Age: 39.27
- Female Median Age: 41.39
There are 510,601 total housing units in the area, with 431,439 total households.
The average household size is 2.50, and the average family size is 2.96.
History and Creation of Area Code 580
Before 1997, all of Oklahoma was served by a single area code: 405. As the population grew and technology advanced (think cell phones and fax machines), the demand for phone numbers began to strain the existing system. To address this, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) decided to split the state, creating a new area code to alleviate the pressure on 405.
Area code 580 was born as an “overlay” for 405. This means that instead of geographically splitting the state and assigning a new area code to a specific region, 580 was superimposed over the existing 405 area. In other words, some regions that previously used 405 began using 580 for new phone numbers.
As of today, area code 580 does not have any overlay area codes. This means that unlike some areas where you might need to dial all 10 digits (area code + phone number) even for local calls, within the 580 area, you can still dial just the 7-digit phone number for local calls. However, the lack of an overlay also means that the supply of available phone numbers within the 580 area is finite. As the region continues to grow, it may eventually require an overlay area code to meet future demand.
Prefix assignment and usage in area code 580
Within area code 580, a certain number of prefixes are assigned to phone service providers, and some remain unassigned. Here’s a quick look at how area code 580’s prefixes are being used.
Prefix assignment statistics
Just shy of 80% of area code 580’s prefixes are already assigned.
- 79.6% of prefixes are assigned
- 637 active prefixes
- 163 inactive prefixes
Usage types: Landline vs. wireless
A majority of the prefixes are used for landlines, but wireless usage is continuing to grow.
- 444 prefixes (69.7%) are used for landlines
- 193 prefixes (30.3%) are used for wireless services
As wireless usage continues to rise, more prefixes will likely be assigned to wireless providers. The good news is, area code 580 isn’t expected to run out of numbers anytime soon.
Future availability of numbers
Area code 580 isn’t in danger of running out of available phone numbers because the state is carefully managing the prefixes and because the population isn’t growing at a breakneck pace.
Time Zone and Nearby Area Codes
If you’re calling someone in the 580 area code, it helps to know a little bit about the local time and the other area codes that border it.
Time Zone Information
The 580 area code lies entirely within the Central Time Zone, which is GMT -06:00. Be aware that because Oklahoma observes Daylight Saving Time, clocks are shifted forward one hour during the warmer months.
Oklahoma has only one time zone, so there’s no chance of confusion when you’re calling within the state.
Adjacent Area Codes
The 580 area code is bordered by area code 405, which serves the central portion of the state, including Oklahoma City. The 580 area code was created in 1997 when it was split off from the 405 area code, which had been in place since 1947.
Oklahoma has only two area codes: 405 and 580.
In Conclusion
Area code 580 covers nearly all of Oklahoma outside of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas. It’s home to a diverse population spread across a wide geographic area, reflecting the state’s agricultural roots and evolving economy.
Understanding the nuances of area code 580 is important for businesses looking to connect with customers, individuals seeking to identify the origin of a call, and telecommunications companies managing their networks. Knowing the geographic reach of this area code enables businesses to target their marketing efforts and helps individuals avoid potential scams. For telecom companies, it’s essential for efficient routing and infrastructure planning.
Unlike some area codes facing exhaustion, 580 is in no immediate danger of running out of available numbers, ensuring stability for residents and businesses alike.
In today’s world, area codes are more than just a sequence of digits; they are geographic markers, economic indicators, and a critical component of our communication infrastructure. They connect us to places, people, and opportunities, underscoring their enduring importance in our increasingly interconnected world.